Multiple electronic device reorienting support

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for a plurality of electronic devices is adapted for positioning the electronic devices in a plurality of orientations. A swivel arm is pivotably coupled to a support arm for rotation through a plurality of orientations. The electronic devices are coupled to the swivel arm by an assembly which accommodates manipulation of the electronic device along the swivel arm, as well as rotation and tilting.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/417,710, filed Apr. 17, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/375,177, filed Apr. 24, 2002, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/442,015, filed Jan. 23, 2003, allentitled “Multiple Electronic Device Reorienting Support”, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to electronic device supportsystems, and more particularly, to a support system adapted forreorienting multiple electronic devices, and more specifically, flatscreen displays.

Flat screen displays are mounted to an articulating support arm whichenables positioning of the display in various positions about threeaxes. The typical arrangement is the mounting of a single flat screendisplay to a single articulating support arm. However, in certainapplications, it is desirable to provide multiple flat screen displaysfor viewing at the same location, each of which can be independentlyadjusted to obtain proper viewing.

There are known double flat screen display pole mounts which are adaptedfor supporting a pair of flat screen displays. The flat screen displaysmay be attached to the pole using a variety of mounting brackets, tiltassemblies or articulating arms. The flat screen displays can be mountedeither one above the other in a vertical orientation or side by side ina horizontal orientation. Pole mounting systems of the aforementionedtype are available from Innovative Office Products of Easton, Pa.

Notwithstanding the existence of multiple flat panel display polemounting systems, there is the desire for further improvements in suchsystems to which the present invention is directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there isdisclosed a support for a plurality of electronic devices, the supportadapted for positioning the electronic devices in a plurality oforientations, the support comprising a base; an elongated first memberhaving first and second spaced apart ends, the first end of the firstmember coupled to the base whereby the first member is arranged in avertical orientation; an elongated second member having first and secondspaced apart ends pivotably coupled therebetween to the first member ata pivot point, the second member rotatable about the pivot point betweena vertical and a horizontal orientation, the second member moveable in avertical direction along a portion of the first member when at least inthe horizontal orientation; first and second coupling assembliesattached to the second member each adapted for securing an electronicdevice thereto, each of the first and second coupling assembliesmoveable along apportion of the second member between the pivot pointand an adjacent first and second end of the second member.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there isdisclosed a support for a plurality of flat screen displays, the supportadapted for positioning the displays in a plurality of orientations, thesupport comprising a base; an elongated stand arm having first andsecond spaced apart ends, the first end coupled to the base with thestand arm arranged in a vertical orientation, the standing arm includingan opening extending partially between the first and second ends; anelongated support arm having first and second spaced apart endspivotably coupled therebetween to the stand arm by a pivot assemblywithin the opening, the support arm rotatable about the pivot assemblybetween a horizontal and a vertical position, the support arm moveablein a vertical direction along a portion of the stand arm when at leastin the horizontal position with the pivot assembly vertically moveablewithin the opening, the support arm having a first slot extendingbetween the first end of the support arm and the pivot assembly and asecond slot extending between the second end of the support arm and thepivot assembly; an adjustable first mounting assembly slidably attachedto the support arm within the first slot and including a rotatable balladapted for attachment to a first flat screen display; and an adjustablesecond mounting assembly slidably attached to support arm within thesecond slot and including a rotatable ball adapted for attachment to asecond flat screen display, whereby the first and second flat screendisplays can be moved along the support arm and rotatable about theirrespective mounting assembly.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there isdisclosed an apparatus adapted for positioning an electronic device in aplurality of orientations, the apparatus comprising a first memberhaving first and second spaced apart ends, the first end of the firstmember coupled to a support; an elongated second member having first andsecond spaced apart ends pivotably coupled therebetween to the firstmember at a pivot point, the second member rotatable about the pivotpoint between a vertical and a horizontal orientation; and a firstcoupling assembly attached to the second member adapted for securing anelectronic device thereto, the first coupling assembly moveable alongthe second member between the first and second ends of the secondmember.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there isdisclosed an apparatus for positioning a plurality of electronic devicesin a plurality of orientations, the apparatus comprising an extensionarm assembly having first and second spaced apart ends, the first end ofthe extension arm assembly adapted to be coupled to a supporting surfacewhereby the second end is arrangable in a plurality of vertical andhorizontal orientations; an elongated member having first and secondspaced apart ends pivotably coupled therebetween to the second end ofthe extension arm assembly at a pivot point, the member rotatable aboutthe pivot point between a vertical and a horizontal orientation, themember moveable in vertical and horizontal directions upon correspondingmovement of the second end of the extension arm assembly; first andsecond coupling assemblies attached to the member each adapted forsecuring an electronic device thereto, each of the first and secondcoupling assemblies moveable along a portion of the member between thepivot point and an adjacent first and second end of the member.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there isdisclosed an apparatus for a plurality of electronic devices, theapparatus adapted for positioning the electronic devices in a pluralityof orientations, the apparatus comprising an elongated stand arm havingfirst and second spaced apart ends, the first end adapted to be coupledto a supporting surface, the stand arm including an opening extendingpartially between the first and second ends; an elongated support armhaving first and second spaced apart ends pivotably coupled therebetweento the stand arm by a pivot assembly moveable within the opening, thesupport arm rotatable about the pivot assembly between a horizontal anda vertical position, the support arm moveable in a vertical directionalong a portion of the stand arm upon vertical movement of the pivotassembly within the opening, the support arm having a first slotextending between the first end of the support arm and the pivotassembly and a second slot extending between the second end of thesupport arm and the pivot assembly; an adjustable first mountingassembly slidably attached to the support arm within the first slot andadapted for attachment to a first electronic device; and an adjustablesecond mounting assembly slidably attached to the support arm within thesecond slot and adapted for attachment to a second electronic device,whereby the first and second electronic devices can be moved along thesupport arm and rotated about their respective mounting assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present inventionand, together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multiple electronic device reorientingsupport constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, showing a pair of flat screen displays mounted thereto;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the multiple electronic devicereorienting support shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded unassembled view of the multiple electronic devicereorienting support;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembled switch arm stand;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, in partial phantom, of the assembledswitch arm stand;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the multiple electronic devicereorienting support;

FIG. 7 is an exploded unassembled view of the pivot assembly constructedin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view of the pivot assembly inassociation with the switch arm stand;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the assembled pivotal assembly;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational, in partial cross section, of the multipleelectronic device reorienting support;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a ball joint assembly coupled to asupport arm and constructed in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded unassembled view of the ball joint assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ball joint housing in assembledrelationship;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, showingthe ball joint assembly in assembled relationship;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the multiple electronic devicereorienting support showing the positioning of a pair of flat screendisplays in a horizontal orientation;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the multiple electronic devicereorienting support showing the positioning of a pair of flat screendisplays in a vertical orientation;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a multiple electronic devicereorienting support constructed in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention showing the position of the switch arm in avertical orientation;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the multiple electronic devicereorienting support as shown in FIG. 17 with the switch arm positionedin a horizontal orientation;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the multiple electronic devicereorienting support as shown in FIG. 18 supporting a pair of flat screendisplays in a horizontal orientation;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the multiple electronic devicereorienting support as shown in FIG. 17 supporting a pair of flat screendisplays in a vertical orientation;

FIG. 21 is a an unassembled front elevational view showing theconstruction of a pair of end caps for coupling the switch arm to anextension arm assembly;

FIG. 22 is an assembled front elevational view of the end caps as shownin FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a multiple electronic devicereorienting support constructed in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of the multiple electronic devicereorienting support as shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket constructed inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a mounting plate forming a portion ofthe mounting bracket;

FIG. 27 is an assembled front elevational view of the mounting bracket;

FIG. 28 is a front elevational view of the end cap rotationally coupledto the switch arm;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of a multiple electronic device reorientingsupport constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of a pivot assembly as shown in FIG.29 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 31 is rear perspectives view of the pivot assembly as shown in FIG.30;

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of a base for the pivot assembly;

FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of the base of the pivot assembly;

FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of an intermediate plate for the pivotassembly;

FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective view of the intermediate plate for thepivot assembly;

FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of a pivotable plate of the pivotassembly;

FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of the pivotable plate for the pivotassembly; and

FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of the pivot assembly shown inassembled relationship.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matterillustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specificterminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, theinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected, and is to be understood that each specific term includes alltechnical equivalence which operate in a similar manner to accomplish asimilar purpose.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals representlike elements, there is disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 a multiple electronicdevice reorienting support generally designated by reference numeral100. The support 100 is illustrated for use with a pair of flat screendisplays 102 by way of illustrative example. It is to be understood thatother electronic devices, such as notebook computers, CRT devices, PDAs,can be used, if desired, with the support 100. Thus, the description ofthe application of the support 100 in association with flat screendisplays 102 is by way of one example only. The support 100 includes abase 104, a switch arm 106, a switch arm stand 108 and a pair of balljoint assemblies 110. Briefly, the base 104 is adapted to support theswitch arm stand 108, which in turn, pivotably supports the switch arm106. The flat screen displays 102 are coupled to the switch arm 106 bymeans of the ball joint assemblies 110. The ball joint assemblies 110are moveable along the switch arm 106 and adapted to allow manipulationof the flat screen displays 102 in a plurality of orientations as to bedescribed hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 3, the base 104 forms the support structure for theswitch arm stand 108. The base 104 may be formed in a variety of shapes,such as rectangular as shown. At one end of the base 104 there isprovided a cylindrical sleeve 112 having a projection 114 extendinginwardly within the opening of the sleeve. An elongated cylinder 116 isdimensioned for sliding fit within the sleeve 112. The outer wall of thecylinder 116 is provided with a longitudinally extending recess 118which is adapted to receive the projection 114 within the sleeve 112. Bycapturing the projection 114 within the recess 118, the cylinder 116 isprecluded from rotation. The cylinder 116 may be locked within thesleeve 112 by means of screw 120 which is threaded through the sleevefor engagement with the cylinder, see FIG. 1.

The switch arm stand 108 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3-5.The switch arm stand 108 includes a front member 122 and a back member124 which are matable together. The front member 122 includes a frontwall 126 lying within a curved plane and a surrounding side wall 128.The upper portion of the front member 126 is provided with an elongatedopening 130 which communicates at its lower end with a smaller elongatedopening 132. Opening 130 is surrounded by a narrow portion 134 of thefront wall 126, while opening 132 is surrounded by a wide portion 136 ofthe front wall 126. The narrow and wide portions 134, 136 of the frontwall 126 are formed with a row a contiguous steps 138 each having aledge 140. The steps 138 cascade downwardly along the sides of theopenings 130, 132, the steps adjacent opening 130 being narrow than thesteps adjacent the opening 132. The opening 130 is delineated by a sidewall which forms an oval shaped track 142 having an upper limit 144 anda lower limit 146.

The back member 124 includes a back wall 148 having a curved shapedconforming to the radius of curvature of the front wall 126, and asurrounding side wall 150. The back wall 148 includes a recessedtriangular region 152 which contains a narrow elongated opening 154.

A triangular housing 156 is formed at the lower end of the back wall148. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the triangular housing 156 isformed by a rear wall 158 and a bottom wall 160 having a circularopening 162 therein. Opening 162 is sized so as to slidingly receivecylinder 116. The rear wall 158 inwardly supports a projecting plate 164to which there is attached a projection 166.

The front and back members 122, 124 are mated together and secured byany suitable means such as welding, adhesive bonding, screws and thelike. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a plurality of screws 168 are used tojoin the front and back members 122, 124 together. For this purpose, theinwardly facing portions of the front and back members 122, 124 areprovided with cylindrical projections 170 adapted for receiving thescrews 168.

With the switch arm stand 108 in assembled relationship, the switch armstand is mounted to the base 104 via the cylinder 116. In this regard,the cylinder 116 is received within opening 162 within the bottom wall160 of the triangular housing 156. The switch arm stand 108 rests on thecylinder 116 by engagement of the plate 164 with the top of the cylinder116. The projection 166 which extends from the plate 164 is receivedwithin the recess 118 within the outer wall of the cylinder 116. As aresult, the switch arm stand 108 is precluded from rotating about thecylinder 116 by interference of the projection 166 within the recess118. The switch arm stand 108 may be secured to the cylinder 116 using asuitable screw in the manner as described with respect to screw 120. Thescrews 168 which attach the front and back members 122, 124 together,may be concealed using a triangular cover 172 which is received withinthe triangular region 152 within the back wall 148 and secured theretovia a plurality of interfering friction clips 174 or the like. The cover172 also conceals cables which are connected to the flat screen displays102 as to be described hereinafter.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the switch arm 106 is constructed from anelongated front member 176 having a front wall 178 and a surroundingside wall 180. The front wall 178 includes a longitudinally extendingslot 182 arrangement midway between opposing longitudinal side walls.The slot 182 communicates centrally within the front wall 178 with anenlarged oval shaped opening 184. The front member 176 is provided witha radius of curvature which may be the same or different from the radiusof curvature defined by the switch arm stand 108. In the preferredembodiment, the radius of curvature will be about the same.

The switch arm 106 includes a back member 186 having a back wall 188defined by a similar radius of curvature and surrounded by a side wall190. A circular opening 192 is formed midway within the back wall 186which defines a surrounding lip 194. The front and back members 176, 186are joined together by any suitable means, for example, using screws196, adhesive bonding, welding and the like. When the switch arm 106 isarranged is assembled form, opening 184 in the front member 176 isarranged to overlying the opening 192 in the back member 186.

The switch arm 106 is pivotably coupled to the switch arm stand 108 bymeans of a pivot assembly 198 as broadly shown in FIG. 11. The pivotassembly 198, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 7-10, includes a tubeassembly 200, a bearing 202, a locking plate 204 and a locking nut 106.The tube assembly 200 includes a cylindrical tube 208 having a threadedend 210. The other end of the tube 208 is attached to a rectangularplate 212 such as by welding and the like. The rectangular plate 212 isbound on opposing parallel top and bottom sides by a pair of inwardlybent lips 214. In the preferred embodiment, the lips 214 are directedinwardly towards tube 208 at an angle of about 45□. The plate 212 may beprovided with an opening 216 which communicates the interior of the tube208 with opening 154 in the back member 124. The openings 154, 216 willallow for the passage of electrical cables from the flat screen displays102 which are fed through the cover 172 if so desired.

The bearing 202 is in the nature of a cylindrical member constructedtypically of polymer material and sized to slide over the tube 208within the tube assembly 200. The locking plate 204 includes a centralopening 216 sized to receive the bearing 202. The lower edge of thelocking plate 204 is provided with an elongated inwardly directed lip218. The lip 218 is displaced, in accordance with the preferredembodiment, at an angle of about 45□. The locking nut 206 is in thenature of a ring having a plurality of internal threads 220. Inaccordance with the preferred embodiment, the tube assembly 200, lockingplate 204 and lock nut 206 are constructed from metal materials, whilethe bearing 202 is constructed from synthetic materials.

The pivot assembly 198 is assembled to pivotably couple the switch arm106 to the switch arm stand 108. Prior to mating the front and backmembers 122, 124 of the switch arm stand 108, the tube assembly 200 ispositioned as shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, the plate 212 is arrangedoverlying the rear of opening 130 such that tube 208 extends outwardlyand away from the front wall 126. The plate 212 is supported by the lips214 being arranged in sliding engagement with edge 222 which is formedby the track 142 surrounding opening 130 thereby defining points ofcontact identified as locations 224. The bearing 202 is slid over thetube 208 so as to slide within the confines of the wall forming thetrack 142. The upper and lower limits of the track 144, 146 are definedby circular portions, whose radius of curvature corresponds generally tothe radius of curvature of the bearing 202. The upper and lower limits144, 146 act as stops when engaging the bearing 202 to prevent furthermovement of the tube assembly 200.

As shown in FIG. 10, the locking plate 204 is positioned over thethreaded end 210 of tube 208 with lip 218 arranged horizontally forengagement with the ledge 140 of a pair of aligned steps 138. With thelip 218 engaged by the ledge 140, the tube assembly 200 is precludedfrom sliding downwardly within the opening 130 within the switch armstand 108.

The switch arm 106 is pivotably attached to the tube assembly 200 byinitially receiving the threaded end 110 of tube 208 through opening192. The switch arm 106 is held in position by engaging the locking nut206 about the threaded end 210 of tube 208. By tightening the lockingnut 206, the switch arm 106 is compressed rearwardly against the lockingplate 204 and the switch arm stand 108 to maintain the desiredorientation of the switch arm.

There will now be described the manipulation of the switch arm 106 usingthe pivot assembly 198. The switch arm 106 may be rotated about the tubeassembly 200 by loosening the locking nut 206 which is accessiblethrough the opening 184, see FIG. 11. The switch arm 106 may now berotated between various orientations such as between the horizontalorientation shown in FIG. 1 and the vertical orientation in alignmentwith the switch stand 108 as shown in FIG. 16. In this regard, the pivotassembly 198 is adapted to rotate the switch arm 106 360□ about the tubeassembly 200. The switch arm 106 may be locked in its reorientedposition by tightening the locking nut 206. As previously described, thelocking plate 204 is positioned between the switch arm stand 108 and theswitch arm 106. Upon tightening of the locking nut 106, the switch arm106 is sandwiched in compression with the switch arm stand 108 andlocking plate 204, thereby maintaining the orientation of the switcharm.

The pivot assembly 198 is adapted to maintain the switch arm 106 tippedslightly upwardly, for example, about 10□ to horizontal. This is tocompensate for the weight of the flat screen displays 102 when attachedto the switch arm 106. In this regard, the weight of the flat screendisplays 102 will cause the switch arm 106 to tilt downwardly to offsetthe upward tilt, thereby positioning the displays in a horizontalposition.

The switch arm 106 may be raised and lowered using the pivot assembly198. As previously noted, the locking plate 204 is arranged with its lip218 resting in one of the ledges 140 of the steps 138. This prevents theswitch arm 106 from moving downwardly under either its own weight orthat of the supported flat screen displays 102. To reposition the switcharm 106, the locking nut 206 is loosened to allow the lip 218 of thelocking plate 214 to disengage. By pulling the switch arm 106 slightlyforward, sufficient clearance is provided for the displacing the pivotassembly 198 downwardly with lip 218 clearing the steps 138. The switcharm 106 is guided by the bearing 202 being received within the opening130 which is bound by track 142.

As previously described, the pivot assembly 198 may be moved upwardlyuntil the bearing 202 is engaged by the upper limit 144 of the track 142and downwardly until the bearing is engaged by the lower limit 146 ofthe track. Once the switch arm 106 has been positioned in its propervertical orientation, the switch arm 106 is rotated into its properorientation. Thereafter, the locking nut 206 is rotated therebycompressing the switch arm 106 against the locking plate 204, which inturn, forces the lip 218 into and against the ledge 140 of the adjacentstep 138. With the locking nut 206 tightened, the switch arm 106 is heldin proper position along the switch arm stand 108.

The flat screen displays 102 are mounted to the switch arm 106 using theball joint assembly 110 or other suitable assembly therefore. The balljoint assembly 110 is slidably mounted to the switch arm 106 within theslot 182 as shown in FIG. 11. A ball joint assembly 110 in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention will now be described withspecific reference to FIGS. 12-14. The ball joint assembly 110 includesa handle 226, a top plate 228, a middle plate 230, an inside plate 232,a pair of compression springs 234, a plastic ball 236, a screw 238 and apair of pem nuts 240.

The top plate is constructed generally as a U-shaped member having a topwall 242 and a pair of spaced apart end walls 244, 246. The top wall 242is provided with a pair of spaced apart holes 248, 250 and a centralopening 252 defined by an upwardly facing conical segment 254 having aninner wall 256 formed with a predetermined radius of curvature. The topwall 242 and end walls 244, 246 at their location of interconnection isformed with a rectangular opening 258, 260.

The middle plate 230 is generally constructed as a U-shaped memberhaving a top wall 262 and a pair of spaced apart side walls 264, 266.The top wall 262 is provided with a pair of spaced apart holes 268, 270which are alignable with holes 248, 250 in the top plate 228. The topwall 262 is provided with a central opening 272 defined by a downwardlyfacing conical segment 274 having an inner wall 276. The inner wall 276has the same radius of curvature as inner wall 256 of the conicalsegment 254. In this regard, the opposing conical segments 254, 274 arealignable with each other so as to define a spherical receiving cavity280 for ball 236. One end of the middle plate 230 is provided with anupstanding member 282 having a downwardly directed hook end 284overlying the top wall 262 in spaced apart relationship.

The inside plate 232 is shown by way of one example as an oval plate 286having a hole 288 at one end thereof, and an upstanding member 290 atthe other end thereof. The upstanding member 290 is provided with a hookend downwardly directed overlying and spaced from plate 286. The surfaceof plate 286 is formed with four spaced apart projecting ribs 294. Theribs 294 may be formed, by way of example, by stamping plate 286 so asto deform outwardly a portion thereof. The ribs 294 provide the plate286 with increased mechanical gripping strength against the swing arm106 during operation of the ball joint assembly 110.

The ball joint assembly 110 is assembled by positioning ball 236 withinthe spherical cavity 280 provided by opposing the top plate 228overlying the middle plate 230. In this arrangement, the hook end 284 ofupstanding member 282 is received within the rectangular opening 260 inthe top plate 228. The inside plate 232 is aligned underlying the middleplate 230 with the hook end 292 of the upstanding member 290 beingreceived within the rectangular opening 258 within the top plate 228 asshown in FIG. 13. Accordingly, upstanding member 290 is longer than thelength of upstanding member 282.

As shown in FIG. 14, the arrangement of the top plate 228, middle plate230 and inside plate 232 arranges the respective holes 250, 270 and 288in collinear alignment. Similarly, holes 248 and 268 are arrangedoverlying one another. A pem nut 240 is inserted within hole 288 in theinside plate 232 and another pem nut inserted into the hole 268 in themiddle plate 230. A screw 238 surrounded by a compression spring 234 ispositioned through hole 248 within the top plate 228 and threadinglyengaged at its lower end with the pem nut 240 within the hole 268 in themiddle plate 230.

The handle 226 is provided with a lever end 296 which is connected to athreaded shaft 298 at a desired angle via a connector 300. The threadedshaft 298 receives a compression spring 234 and is passed through hole250 within the top plate 228, through hole 270 within the middle plate230 and into threading engagement with the pem nut 240 within the insideplate 232.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the ball joint assembly 110 is slidablymounted to the switch arm 106. In this regard, the front wall 178 of theswitch arm 106 is captured between the middle plate 230 and inside plate232. The screws 238 and their surrounding compression springs 234, aswell as the upstanding member 290 on the inside plate 232 are slidinglyreceived within the slot 182. The installation of the ball jointassembly 110 to the switch arm 106 is facilitated by means of theenlarged oval shaped opening 184. In this arrangement, the inside plate232 is positioned between the front and back members 176, 186 of theswitch arm 106, while the middle plate 230 is arranged overlying thefront wall 178 of the switch arm.

A flat screen display 102 or other electronic device is coupled to theball 230 by any suitable means. For example, the ball 230 may beprovided with a central threaded bore 302 adapted to receive a threadedstud 304. The threaded stud 304 may be attached to a mounting plate 306which is attached to the back of the flat screen display 102, see FIG.16. Accordingly, the orientation of the flat screen display 102 will bedependent upon the orientation of the ball 236 within the ball jointassembly 110.

The ball joint assembly 110 can be slid longitudinally along the lengthof the switch arm 106. At the same time, the flat screen display 102 canbe oriented to an appropriate viewing angle by rotating same via ball236. The ball joint assembly 110 can be locked in position along theswing arm 110, as well as locking ball 236 by rotating handle 226.

As the handle 226 is rotated, the attached threaded shaft 298 isincreased in threading engagement with the pem nut 240 in the insideplate 232. As a result, the front wall 178 of the switch arm 106 iscompressed between the middle plate 230 and inside plate 232 therebyfixing the location of the ball joint assembly 110. At the same time,the top plate 228 is compressed towards the middle plate 230 therebyreducing the size of the spherical cavity 280 which supports ball 236.In this regard, the conical segments 254, 274 are forced in compressionagainst the outer surface of the ball 236 to prevent its rotation withinthe cavity 280, thereby locking the position of the flat screen display102 by precluding rotation of the ball. It should therefore beappreciated that the ball joint assembly 110 is operative by means ofthe single operation of the handle 226 to both lock the position of theball joint assembly with respect to the switch arm 106, but also theorientation of the flat screen display 102 via ball 236.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is shown the use of the support 102in reorienting a pair of flat screen displays 102 into multiplehorizontal and vertical orientations. For example, as shown in FIG. 15,the switch arm 106 is arranged in a horizontal orientation maintainingthe flat screen displays in side-by-side horizontal relationship. Bymeans of the ball joint assembly 110, one of the flat screen displays102 is arranged in a vertical orientation, while the other display isarranged at an incline. The flat screen displays 102 can accordingly bearranged in other orientations by means of the ball joint assembly 110.Further, the switch arm 106 may be raised or lowered using the pivotassembly 198, as desired, to position the flat screen displays 102 atthe appropriate level desired for viewing.

As shown in FIG. 16, the flat screen displays 102 are arranged inoverlying side-by-side vertical relationship. This is accomplished byrotating the swing arm 106 via the pivot assembly 198 to a verticalposition arranged in collinear alignment with the switch arm stand 108.This is facilitated by the radius of curvature of the swing arm 106being generally the same as that of the swing arm stand 108. In asimilar manner, the flat screen displays 102 can be reoriented using theball joint assembly 110 to achieve the best viewing angle as required bythe user. In addition, the swing arm 106 may be raised or lowered viathe pivot assembly 198.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-20, there will be described a multipleelectronic device reorienting support generally designated by referencenumeral 320 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention. Unlike the support 100 having a switch arm 106coupled to a switch arm stand 108, the switch arm of the support 320 iscoupled to an adjustable extension arm assembly 322. The extension armassembly 322 includes a pair of spaced apart end caps 324, 326 coupledto the ends of a gas spring biased adjustable parallelogram channelassembly 328. The extension arm assembly 322 is configured to form anadjustable parallelogram upon vertical movement of the end cap 326 toenable height adjustment of the switch arm 106 and hence the flat screendisplays 102. Examples of extension arm assemblies 322 adapted for usein the support 320 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,478,274 and6,409,134, assigned to the same assignee of the present application,both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

End cap 324 is rotationally coupled to a base support 330 which isadapted to be mounted to a stationary object such as a table, workbench,vertical wall portion, and the like. By virtue of such arrangement, theextension arm assembly 322 can rotate about the base support 330 therebyenabling the positioning the displays 102 at the desired angularlocation. On the other hand, end cap 326 is pivotably coupled to theswitch arm 106 by means of an end cap 332.

The end cap 326 is coupled to the switch arm 106, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, in the manner as disclosed in FIGS.21 and 22, as well as FIGS. 3 and 7-9 in general. End cap 332 includes agenerally hollow unshaped housing 334 of the type as disclosed in the'274 or '134 patents. An adaptor bracket 336 is attached within the openside of the housing 334 by means of transverse connecting pins 338. Anexterior threaded cylindrical tube 340 is welded to the front of theadaptor bracket 336. A cylindrical polymer bushing 342 is positionedover the threaded cylindrical tube 340. The length of the bushing 342 isshorter than the length of the cylindrical tube 340 so as to expose athreaded portion at the free end thereof. A cylindrical steel tube 344is press fit into an opening 192 formed in the switch arm 106. Acylindrical ring shaped collar 346 is attached to the adaptor bracket336 and cylindrical tube 340. The collar 3-46 is provided on its forwardface with a recessed circular track generally designated by referencenumeral 348 having an abutment 350 at either end thereof. The track 348may extend circumferentially about the cylindrical tube 340 in apredetermined amount. In the preferred embodiment, the track 348 willextend greater than 90 degrees between the abutments 350.

In the assembled relationship, the cylindrical tube 340 and bushing 342are inserted into cylindrical tube 344 whereby the threaded end of thecylindrical tube 340 is accessible within the opening 184 in the switcharm 106. A locking nut 352 is threadingly received about the cylindricaltube 340 thereby providing a compression engagement whereby the switcharm 106 can be locked in various orientations. In this regard, a stoppin 354 projects rearwardly from the switch arm 106 and is capturedwithin the track 348. As the switch arm 106 is rotated, the stop pinwill allow its rotation until engagement with one of the abutments 350.The length of the track 340 will therefore determine the permittedangular rotation of the switch arm 106. As previously noted, a 90-degreerotation will allow supported displays 102 to be positioned betweenhorizontal and vertical orientations. It is also contemplated to allowthe track 348 to extend over 180 degrees, allowing the switch arm 106 tobe rotated either clockwise or counter-clockwise 90 degrees.

The open top of the housing 334 may be closed by means of a cable cap356 pressed therein and retained by means of, for example, hook-likefingers 358.

End cap 326 includes a similarly constructed housing 334 which receivesa steel cylindrical tube 360. Rotationally received within thecylindrical tube 360 is an elongated cylindrical connection tube 362having a lower portion 364 and an upper portion 366. The lower portion364 is surrounded by one or more cylindrical polymer bushings 368.

The connection tube 362 extends through cylindrical tube 360 within thehousing 334 of the second end cap 326. The bushings 368 provide apolymer-bearing surface which accommodates rotation of the connectiontube 362 about its longitudinal axis. In this regard, the upper portion366 of the connection tube 362 extends into the interior of the housing334 of the end cap 332. The upper portion 366 of the connection tube 362may be fixed therein by means of an attachment device 370, such as ascrew, bolt, pin and the like. The upper portion 366 may be providedwith an opening along its side facing the adaptor bracket 336. As aresult, a cable receiving channel is formed through the interior of theconnection tube 362 and through the interior of the threaded cylindricaltube 340 so as to allow passage of cables to the supported displays 102.Accordingly, the connection tube 362 can be formed of two c-shapedelongated tubular members of different length.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the displays 102 may be arranged eitherhorizontally or vertically, upon rotation of the swing arm 106. Inaddition, each of the displays 102 may be manipulated by the ball jointassembly 110 in the manner as previously described. Where multipledisplays 102 are attached to the support 100, it is generally desirablethat the displays abut side to side to create the appearance of a singleflat display. When the displays 102 are tilted either up or down, it isoften required that the displays be adjustably moved away from theswitch arm 106, as well as moving the outer displays outwardly from themiddle display in order to maintain their contiguous arrangement toprovide a single display appearance. The ball joint assembly 110 aspreviously described generally will not accommodate certainmanipulations of the displays 102 as may be desired. Accordingly, thereis shown in FIGS. 23-25 the construction of another embodiment of thepresent invention.

Turning to FIGS. 23-25, the displays 102 are adjustably mounted to theswitch arm 106 by means of a mounting bracket 372. As best shown in FIG.25, the mounting bracket includes a mounting plate 374, a yoke 376 and atilter assembly 378. The yoke 376 includes a u-shaped end formed by apair of spaced apart legs 380, 382 having aligned openings at their freeend. The other end of the yoke 376 includes a cylindrical body 384through which there extends a circular bore whose longitudinal axis isparallel to the axis extending through the aligned openings within thefree ends of the legs 380, 382. The body 384 is connected to the legs380, 382 by means of an extension member 386.

The tilter assembly 378 includes a u-shaped member 388 formed by arectangular base 390 from which there extends a pair of spaced apartside arms 392, 394. An opening is formed through the free ends of theside arms 392, 394 arranged in alignment with each other. A tiltersupport 396 is provided with a pair of transversely arranged cylindricalbores extending therethrough. The tilter support 396 is pivotablycoupled to the u-shaped member 388 by means of a cylindrical shaft 398extending through the aligned openings in the side arms 392, 394 and thebore within the tilter support. In a like manner, the yoke 376 ispivotably coupled to the tilter support 396 by means of a cylindricalshaft 400 extending through the openings within the ends of the legs380, 382 and the bore within the tilter support. As a result, the yoke,is pivotable about shaft 400, while also being pivotable about shaft398. An example of a tilter assembly as thus far described is disclosedin United States Patent No. 6,505,988, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

A mounting plate 402 is pivotably coupled to the base 390 by means of acentral pin 404. The display 102 may be mounted to the mounting plate402 whereby the display can be rotated about pin 404.

The switch arm mounting plate 374 includes a body having a pair ofspaced apart side arms 406, 408 having aligned openings at one endthereof. The side arms 406, 408 extend from a base 410 which is adaptedto be slidingly coupled to the switch arm 106. The cylindrical body 384of the yoke 376 is rotationally coupled between the side arms 406, 408by means of a received shaft 410 extending through the aligned openingsand bore within the cylindrical body. As such, the yoke 376 can berotated about the axis of the shaft 412.

Referring to FIG. 26, the bottom of the base 410 is provided with aprojecting elongated rib 414. The rib 414 is dimensioned so as to bereceived within the slot 182 of the switch arm 106. As shown in FIG. 27,an L-shaped clamping plate 416 is pivotably coupled to one end of thebase 410 within a cut-out portion 417 by means of pin 418. Therotational movement is accommodated by the clamping plate 416 having aloop end 420 bent around the pin 418. To facilitate pivotable movementand maintaining of the loop end 420 in proper position, a brass rod 422is positioned within the loop end 420 underlying the pin 418. The freeend of the clamping plate 416 is provided with a threaded fastener 424which engages a threaded rod 426 which extends through an opening 428within the base 410. The rod 426 is rotatable by means of a handle 430.

In assembled relationship, the front wall 178 of the switch arm 106 iscaptured between the clamping plate 416 and the bottom of a base 410 ofthe mounting plate 374. By rotation of the threaded rod 426, theclamping plate 416 will be brought into pressure contact with the frontwall 178 of the switch arm 106, thereby retaining the mounting bracket372 in fixed location.

The switch arm 106 is rotationally mounted to the extension arm assembly322 by means of end cap 432 as shown in FIGS. 24 and 28. The end cap 432includes a unshaped bracket 434 having a base 436 and a pair of spacedapart side arms 438, 440. The base 436 is provided with a centralopening, and the side arms 434, 440 are provided with aligned openings.Bracket 434 is pivotably coupled to the switch arm 106 in the manner aspreviously described with respect to FIGS. 21 and 22. Briefly, athreaded cylindrical tube 340 is fixably secured to the base 436 towhich there is coupled collar 346 for receiving cylindrical tube 344 andbushing 342 as previously described.

A U-shaped bracket 442 is positioned between the side arms 438, 440. Asbest shown in FIG. 28, side arm 440 is provided with an enlarged opening445 to which there is affixed a cylindrical sleeve 444. A polymer ringshaped thrust-bearing 446 is supported on the side arm 440circumscribing the sleeve 444. The thrust-bearing supports the bracket442 which is rotational about the sleeve 440.

A plate 448 is secured within the open top of the bracket 442 forsupporting a polymer bushing 450 having an opening therethrough inalignment with an opening 451 within the plate 448. The bushing 450includes a cylindrical portion 453 which extends into the opening 455within side arm 438. A connecting shaft 452 is received within thebushing 450 and coupled to the plate 448 to allow rotational movement ofthe bracket 442 thereabout. As shown in FIG. 24, an extension armassembly 322 is pivotably coupled to the end cap 432. In this regard,the end of the extension arm assembly 322 is received within the openend of the U-shaped bracket 442 and attached thereto by means of pins orthe like extending through openings 453. The other end of the extensionarm assembly 322 may be coupled to, for example, to end cap 324 as shownin FIG. 18.

A cable passageway is formed through the enlarged opening 445 in sidearm 440 extending through sleeve 444 into the interior of bracket 442.An opening 454 is provided within the bracket 442 to allow passage ofthe cables through an opening 456 in the base 436 of bracket 434, andinto the interior of the threaded cylindrical tubes 340. From there, thecables can be fed to the displays 102 through the switch arm 106. Thecable passageway may also extend through the extension assembly arm 322.In this regard, the hollow interior of the extension arm assembly 322 isin communication with the interior of the bracket 442 at the location ofits pivotable attachment. As such, cables may be fed through theextension arm assembly 322, through the bracket 442, and into the switcharm 106 for connection to the displays 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 29 through 38, there will be described a pivotassembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention and generally designated by reference Numeral 480. Thepivot assembly 480 is adapted to couple an electronic device such as aflat screen display 102 to the switch arm 106. In accordance with oneembodiment, the pivot assembly 480 may be coupled to a tilter assembly378 as described with respect to FIG. 25. The pivot assembly 480generally includes a base 482, a rotatable connecting bracket 484, anintermediate plate 486 and a pivotable plate 488.

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, the base 482 includes a body 490 having agenerally planar bottom surface 492 and a sloping generally planar topsurface 494. As a result, the base 482 has a generally triangular shapein side view, although other shapes are feasible, for example,rectangular and the like. A circular bore 496 having a bottom wall 498extends partially through the base 482 from the top surface 494. Anopening 500 extends from the bottom wall 498 of the bore 496 through theremaining portion of the base 482 to the bottom surface 492.

A larger centrally positioned bore 502 having a bottom wall 504 alsoextends partially through the body 490 of the base 482. The bottom wall504 is provided with a center through hole 506 extending to the bottomsurface 492. A pair of circular grooves 580 are formed in the bottomwall 504 circumferentially surrounding a portion through hole 506. Thegrooves 508 are not required to extend all the way through the body 490.A through hole 510 is provided with an intermediate shelf 512, see FIG.38, extending through the base 482 adjacent one end thereof adjacentbore 502.

As shown in FIG. 33, the bottom surface 492 of the base 482 is providedwith four spaced apart circular alignment recesses 514. A circularrecess 516 is formed concentrically around through hole 506. Anupstanding boss 518 extends outwardly from the bottom surface 492 of thebase 582. The boss 518 is positioned between recess 516 and opening 500.A through hole 520 is formed extending adjacent one corner of the freeend of the boss 518.

Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, the intermediate plate 486 is constructedgenerally in the nature of a rectangular flat plate having a top surface522 and a bottom surface 524. The plate 486 is provided with a centralkeyhole shaped opening 526, a circular through hole 528, and anelongated oval shaped through hole 530. Four circular studs 532 extendupwardly from the top surface 522 of the intermediate plate 486. Thestuds 532 are arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to align withand be receivable within the alignment recesses 514 within the base 482.A pair of spaced apart parallel arranged ribs 434 are provided on thebottom surface 524 of the intermediate plate 486 adjacent the endsthereof. The ribs 534, as shown, are circular in cross-section. The ribsare centrally intersected by a pair of spaced apart rectangular bosses536, 538. Through hole 528 extends through boss 536, while the ovalshaped through hole 530 extends through boss 538. The bosses 536, 538extend from adjacent the keyhole-shaped opening 526 to the ends of theintermediate plate 486.

The intermediate plate 486 is positioned over the bottom surface 492 ofthe base 482 as best shown in FIG. 31. The intermediate plate 486 ismaintained in position by the studs 532 being received within thealignment recesses 514. The boss 518 will protrude through one end ofthe keyhole-shaped opening 526, the circular portion being aligned withrecess 516 within the bottom surface 492 of the base 482. Through hole528 will be aligned with opening 500 and oval shaped through hole 530will be aligned with through hole 510. A shown in FIG. 38, the end ofhole 510 opening through the bottom surface 492 of the base 482 isconical shape as to be described hereinafter.

The base 482 is coupled to the tilter assembly 378 by means of arotatable connecting bracket 484. The connecting bracket 484 has acircular base 540 which is rotationally received within the bore 502 andfrom which there extends a pair of spaced apart legs 542, see FIG. 30.The legs 542 are provided with an aligned through hole 544 which isoperative for receiving shaft 400 about which the tilter support 396 ofthe tilter assembly 378 pivots as thus far described. In this regard,the free end of the tilter support 396 is received between the spacedapart legs 542 and pivotably secured thereat by means of shaft 400extending therethrough. The bottom surface of the base 540 of theconnecting bracket 484 is provided with a pair of projecting ribs 546,one of which is shown in phantom in FIGS. 30 and 38. Each of the ribs546 is adapted to be received within one of the grooves 508 within thebottom wall 504 of bore 502.

A flat annular shaped nylon washer 548 may be interposed between thebottom surface of the base 540 of the connecting bracket 484 and thebottom wall 504 of bore 402. With the ribs 546 captured within thegrooves 508, the connecting bracket 540 may be rotated, clockwise andcounter clockwise, to the extent of the grooves. For example, the lengthof the grooves 540 may be suitable for rotation of the connectingbracket about 90 degrees in either direction. Longer and shorter grooves508 are contemplated whereby rotation of the connecting bracket 548 willbe either increased or decreased in a corresponding manner. Theconnecting bracket 548 is rotationally coupled to the base 482 by athreaded bolt 550 which extends through hole 506 in the base 482 andthrough an aligned opening in the base 540 of the connecting bracket484. A nut 552 may be attached to the free end of the bolt 550 therebysecuring the connecting bracket 484 to the base 482.

The pivotable plate 448, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, includes agenerally flat plate 554 having a bottom surface 556 and a top surface558. The plate 554 has a slight tapered cross-section, being thicker atone end than the other. The thicker end is provided with a pair ofspaced apart circular bodies 560, 562, having an aligned through hole564. The circular bodies 560, 562 are spaced apart so as to receive boss518 therebetween. The plate 488 is pivotably attached to boss 518 bymeans of a pin 566 extending through holes 564 within the circularbodies 560,562 and the through hole 520 within boss 518.

A pair of spaced apart elongated ribs having a circular shape aredisposed in parallel relationship on the top surface 558 of thepivotable plate 488. A circular boss 570 projects upwardly from the topsurface 558 generally intersecting rib 568. A boss 572 projectsoutwardly from the bottom surface 556 of the pivotable plate 488adjacent its forward edge. A threaded opening 574 extends through theboss 572 and through plate 554. In accordance with one embodiment, boththe intermediate plate 486 and pivotable plate 488 are constructed fromsuitable polymer materials, such as nylon and the like.

The pivotable assembly 480 is shown in assembled relationship withrespect to the switch arm 106 in FIG. 38. As thus far described, theconnecting bracket 484 is rotatably secured to the base 482 by means ofbolt 550. The intermediate plate 486 is supported on the bottom surface492 of the base 482 with studs 532 being received within the alignmentrecesses 514. In this arrangement, rectangular bosses 536, 538 projectdownwardly so as to be received within the slot 182 extending along thefront wall 178 of the switch arm 106. The ribs 534 will slide along thefront wall 178 of the switch arm 106. The boss 518 also extends throughthe slot 182 of the switch arm 106. As a result, the pivotable plate 488is received within the interior of the switch arm 106 having the ribs568 engaging the interior surface of the front wall 178. As a result ofthis construction, the pivot assembly 480 can slide longitudinally alongthe length of the switch arm 106.

A threaded bolt 576 is received within through hole 510 being supportedby shelf 512. The free end of the bolt 576 is threadingly receivedwithin the threaded opening 574 within boss 572 of the pivotable plate488. By rotation of the bolt 576, the pivotable plate 488 will pivotabout pin 566 forcing the ribs 568 into compression engagement againstthe inner surface of the front wall 178 of the swivel arm 106. As thepivotable plate 488 pivots, the bolt 576 will be displaced slightlylaterally to accommodate the pivoting action. This displacement isaccommodated by the cone shape of the through hole 510 and the ovalshaped hole 530 within the intermediate plate 486. In accordance withthis construction, the exterior and interior surfaces of the front wall178 are contacted by the pivot assembly 480 by means of the four ribs534, 568.

It is contemplated that it is might be possible to slide the pivotassembly 480 along the swivel arm 106 even when the intermediate plate486 and the pivotable plate 480 are operatively engaged with the frontwall 178 of the switch arm 106. To enhance the locking of the pivotassembly 480 in fixed position to the switch arm 106, there may befurther provided a flat plate 578 which supports a boss 580 having athreaded opening extending therethrough. A threaded bolt 584 having anattached knob 586 extends through opening 500 within the base 482 intothreaded engagement with boss 580. As the bolt 584 is rotated via knob586, the plate 578 will be compressed against the inner surface of thefront wall 178. The plate 578 can be constructed of suitable plasticmaterial such as nylon. To enhance the locking effect, the front surfaceof the plate 578 may provided with a rubber pad which will contact theinner surface of the front wall 178 of the swivel arm 106.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for a plurality of electronic devices, said apparatusadapted for positioning the electronic devices in a plurality oforientations, said apparatus comprising an elongated stand arm havingfirst and second spaced apart ends, said first end adapted to be coupledto a supporting surface, said stand arm including an opening extendingpartially between said first and second ends; an elongated support armhaving first and second spaced apart ends pivotably coupled therebetweento said stand arm by a pivot assembly moveable within said opening, saidsupport arm rotatable about said pivot assembly between a horizontal anda vertical position, said support arm moveable in a vertical directionalong a portion of said stand arm upon vertical movement of said pivotassembly within said opening, said support arm having a first slotextending between said first end of said support arm and said pivotassembly and a second slot extending between said second end of saidsupport arm and said pivot assembly; an adjustable first mountingassembly slidably attached to said support arm having a portion thereofextending within said first slot and adapted for attachment to a firstelectronic device; and an adjustable second mounting assembly slidablyattached to said support arm having a portion thereof extending withinsaid second slot and adapted for attachment to a second electronicdevice, whereby the first and second electronic devices can be movedalong the support arm and rotated about their respective mountingassembly.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stand arm includes aplurality of steps adjacent said opening, said pivot assembly engageablewithin said steps for maintaining said support arm in a predeterminedposition.